Executive Chef

Executive Chef

The Executive Chef will lead culinary functions for our expanding catering/special events services\u2014working with clients to create memorable dining experiences. Your skills and passion will guide menu development, oversee food prep, and ensure smoo...

• 520535
• Manhattan, Kansas, United States
• Department of Housing & Dining
• Staff Part Time (Unclassified - Term)
• Closing on: Dec 11 2025
• On-site

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About This Role

To meet the growing catering needs on campus, this leadership position will be forward-thinking and elevate our full-service catering operations. The Executive Chef will serve as the principal culinary leader for all catering and special event dining across campus\u2014serving internal university clients, student groups, external partners, and the broader K-State Community.

Ideal for a creative and strategic culinary professional with a passion for hospitality, exceptional presentation, and customer experience the Executive Chef will oversee menu development, food production, assist with service execution and client collaboration, delivering premium catering services aligned with the university's commitment to excellence and community. This culinary leadership position will offer a unique opportunity within the hospitality industry for a seasoned culinary professional to find a great work and life balance that is atypical of the foodservice industry.

K-State's catering services are growing, and we're looking for a leader who can take them to the next level. As Executive Chef, you'll be the creative force behind our catering and special event dining\u2014working with campus groups, university partners, and the wider K-State

community to make every event memorable. This role is perfect for someone who loves food, hospitality, and creating great experiences. You'll lead menu planning, food preparation, and assist with service, while collaborating closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. Along the way, you'll ensure every detail reflects the quality and care K-State is known for. This position is part of the K-State Housing and Dining Services Retail Operations team and reports to the Assistant Director, Catering and Hospitality.

About Us

Housing and Dining Services (HDS) is a large, complex, self-operated auxiliary department employing about 1,000 full and part-time staff. We share the desire to provide exemplary services, products and facilities for our residents and other guests. HDS provides affordable, safe and engaging accommodations for more than 5,000 residents and find unique ways to support their academic pursuits. Additionally, we offer a variety of event spaces, dining and catering options for both on and off-campus events.

The 2025 Princeton Review ranks us #2 Happiest Students, #2 Best Quality of Life, #8 Best College Residence Halls, and #14 Best Campus Food. What a great team to be part of!

Kansas State University has been recognized as one of the best places to work, earning the No. 3 spot on Forbes' list of best employers in Kansas \u2014 the highest ranking of any college or university in the state. This marks the third time in 2025 that Forbes has honored K-State for excellence as an employer. In July, the university was ranked No. 3 on Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Women, and earlier this year it was recognized as one of America's Best Midsize Employers.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. The duties of this position will be performed on-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent culinary arts certification and three years of relevant experience. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of least 5 years of culinary leadership in high-volume catering, restaurant, or events-focused foodservice.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in catering, restaurant, or food service management in a high-volume environment.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and coordinate multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to execute a wide range of catering styles, including buffets, plated meals, receptions, and custom experiences.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Proficiency in using catering management software and event planning tools.
• Experience working in a university or institutional setting.
• Familiarity with special dietary needs and cultural food practices.
• Considerable knowledge of large scale food preparation, equipment, health sanitation, and safety procedures.

Preferred licenses / registrations / certifications:

• Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation or other industry credentials.
• ServSafe Food Manager certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Valid driver's license upon employment.

Additional Role Information:

• Physical strength and agility to transport foodservice equipment, food, and beverages. Ability to transfer from location to location quickly and frequently.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of interest outlining qualifications specific to this position

2. Resume

3. Names and contact information of at least three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: December 11, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$53,581 - $69,000 annual

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State's background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

• Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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